reflections at the intersection of American history, religion, politics, and academic life

Can a Christian Embrace “America First?”

Over at Crux, Fordham University theologian Charles Camosy wonders if “Trumpism” is a heresy because it places the nation over the gospel.

Here is a taste:

As bad as the Trump administration is, however, this political moment may turn out to be teachable for American Christians. Pope Leo XIII was onto something important when he named the American heresy, but it hasn’t got much traction since that time. Perhaps the blatant heresy and idolatry of “America First” can jolt American Christians into a place where we can look more critically at the place “love of country” has in our lives.

Again, patriotism is a good thing, but it becomes heretical and idolatrous if it comes “first.”

It is one thing to vote for Trump as the lesser of two evils. I strongly disagreed with this strategy, but it is defensible from a Catholic point of view. And I fully understand the views of those who did so in defense of prenatal children.

What is not defensible, however, is positive, formal support for “America First.” That so many Catholics have expressed such support, however, may indicate that the time has come to name “Trumpism” a heresy.